Grazing Down the Lachlan returns to Forbes this Saturday 16th September, celebrating and showcasing the region’s food, culture, art, entertainment and history.
A total of 550 ‘Grazers’ (guests) are expected on site at Gum Swamp for an epic long lunch celebrating produce from Central West NSW, prepared by local restaurateurs and caterers.
This year the committee are thrilled to have Brendan Sheldrick onboard as Creative Director to inject a new and local perspective on Grazing 2023’s six course menu.
“In addition to a Greek-inspired menu, Grazers will also enjoy local wines, beer and non-alcoholic beverages at each station and be entertainment by musicians, dancers and interactive art on site.”
“Grazers can expect some beautiful, simple Greek flavours where the produce is the hero, as well as woodfire cooking, pastries and sweets – a bit of a nod to Australian / Greek cafe and takeaway culture,” Brendan said.
What makes this dining experience a truly unique is the underlying commitment to delivering a no-waste, environmentally responsible event. Every Grazer is supplied with an event bag made locally by Woolerina from recycled fabric, which contains an enamel plate, recycled cutlery, a lanyard, menu map, and a napkin made from donated linens.
Grazers are transported out to site by bus to minimise the impact on the natural environment and are then free to wander along the two-kilometre bush track between
six stations offering delicious food with a matched beverage. At the final station, Grazers are encouraged to donate these items back to Grazing to be used again.
Proceeds of Grazing Down the Lachlan support the Forbes Arts Society. Funds raised through the event to-date have facilitated the commissioning of 20 new sculptures to extend the Sculpture Down the Lachlan public art trail, the redevelopment of Gum Swamp Wildlife Refuge and the development of Gallery Forbes. In 2022, $30,000 was raised for the Forbes Arts Society.
The event has significant economic benefits for the Forbes Shire, injecting over $400,000 into the local economy each year.